Hi everyone! God, it was though chapter to write… I'm very sorry for that it took seven weeks, yet it's far not the longest chapter I wrote. Anyway, it's here now.
Answers for the reviewers:
Ferdoos: Ah yes… And this is the demon of worst kind. You'll see later.
ValinNight: Well, here it is. Can't say it's really the big battle. Big battles await in Nirvana's arc =)
gratsulover117: Many thanks guys, glad to hear it!
ShuraYuki0: A bit of badassitude won't hurt, right? =)
Natsu is Awesome: Believe me, you don't want to know how I'm getting my ideas xD Thanks for support.
Tet19: Lucy isn't exactly an avatar, it's a bit different. And thanks for the review =)
Tottenham Hotspur: Thanks man, I'm on it!
Geraze90: No, Lucy's not a god slayer, technically she's a demon slayer. Together Natsu, Erza, Mira and Luciferona… well, how much destruction the Four Horsemen can do? xD
Deadmask: Just wait for the Nirvana's arc, it's almost here – there will be a lot of battles with Erza.
Void Fart: Not exactly, everything will be explained in Nirvana's arc. Freed is completely at Luciferona's disposal. He can think whatever he wants, but he can't go against her will.
FanFictionHunter: Thanks man. As I said – for Lucy it's just a beginning, and the end…
InflatedChimp: Me neither xD. Thanks for support.
Cameron: Ah, well… Sorry, but no – next Erza's real fight will be in Nirvana's arc. I'm eager to start it, honestly.
Mira-san: We'll see soon enough, won't we? xD
EndlessChains: Now that's what I call a review =) I'm really glad you liked my humor. Our lives filled with bitter irony sometimes, but taking it with humor makes life easier a bit. Thank you for support. P.S. I actually was surprised to see how many 'well-wishers' Freed has =)
Now, let's proceed. Not much to say – this is the conclusion of Fighting Festival arc. This chapter, however, important because of one thing. Until now, we were seeing Erza's evolution – her transformation into dragon slayer and most developments were devoted to her. From now on – it's Natsu's turn. Good reading and do not forget to leave a review!
Chapter updated 13/12/2016
…
Chapter XXV – Under My Glove
…
November 15, X784, 13:50, Fairy Tail, 25 minutes remaining.
"The Palace of Thunder… the thunder-filled lacrimas, which will attack the entire city. Judgment from a thunder that no one can escape. And time is short…" Levy mumbled, looking at the progress report. "Only twenty-five minutes left… Is Laxus really serious about that?" She asked herself with quite grim face expression.
But few moments later her looks became more enthusiastic, "But I'm sure it'll work out somehow. All members of Raijinshū were taken out, and we still have Erza and Natsu, and Gajeel too… and oh, yes, we have Mistogan as well, don't we? Not that I've ever seen him… Huh!?" Suddenly, Levy noticed someone's figure, entering the guild hall "…who could that be at a time like this?"
As stranger approached, she appeared to be a quite tall woman with pink hair, dressed into white dress and big crimson mantle, with collar shaped like bat-wing. "Where is Makarov," She asked with stern expression on her face, without introducing herself.
"Porlyusica-san?!" Levy yelped as her eyes widened in amazement when she recognized the woman.
"Hurry up… where's he?" Old lady asked again.
"He's… he's in the sickbay, it's on the second floor, through there!" Levy pointed to the sick bay's door.
"Hmm," Porlyusica nodded and headed towards sickbay.
"A – Ah! Wait!" Levy exclaimed with a sweatdrop, "There's a bit of situation right now…"
"I am aware of that! That's why I came," Old lady replied, with her characteristic irritation, as she continued her way to the sickbay.
"Could you have come here to heal him then?!" Levy exclaimed joyfully. Her enthusiasm, however, remained unanswered as old lady stood silently, staring at Makarov, who was lying in bed.
"Bring Laxus here," Porlyusica said after long silence.
"Huh?" Levy didn't understand what old lady wants from her.
"Bring that idiot boy, who is playing the fool in ignorance of grandfather's critical condition, here at once," Porlyusica 'clarified' her request.
"Cr… Critical condition?!" Levy asked as wave of fear surged through her body, "What… do you…"
"Just do it… please…" Old lady turned around. Her eyes were filled with tears and her voice was shaking, "He doesn't have long left…" As she heard these words, and mostly saw usually cold and stern lady crying, Levy froze in horror.
November 15, X784, 13:55, Magnolia, 20 minutes remaining.
In Magnolia's western outskirt, Gajeel Redfox was standing on branch of a big tree, which was growing atop of the heel. From this position, he could see an entire town. "One of these days I'll get my revenge on Titania… but first, I'll crush that arrogant thunder asshole, he needs a lesson of good manners…" Gajeel grinned evilly, "Got a problem with that, Master Ivan?" He was talking to a weird floating paper doll – Shikigami.
"Gajeel…" A doll replied with low hoarse voice, "Right now, earning their trust is most important. Don't get found out. Act completely as a member of Fairy Tail, no matter what."
"I'm already doing that," Gajeel replied.
"Good. Fairy Tail's punishment will come later," A doll said.
"Roger that… Gi hi hi!" Gajeel snickered.
November 15, X784, 13:58, Magnolia, 17 minutes remaining.
Lucy slowly opened her eyes. Her head was aching like hell and everything was fuzzily. Someone made her to sit, leaning on some tree. "Oh…" She moaned aguishly.
"Lucy-san?" Juvia turned around to see blonde woken up.
"Lucy?! You're alright?!" Cana inquired, leaning down to check her.
"No…" Lucy mumbled, closing her eyes from sunlight to ease the headache a bit, "My head…"
"Lucy-san, what happened?" Water witch wondered, "Juvia saw huge shining bird in the sky…"
"When we've arrived, we found you lying unconscious and Freed severely beaten and defeated," Cana explained.
"I… don't know…" Lucy moaned, still holding to her head, "Last thing I remember… Freed used some spell on me… Ouch… Just let me sit for a moment…"
Cana and Juvia looked at each other in confusion. Notwithstanding their hope – Lucy didn't clarify anything, in contrary – she made things even more confusing. "If it wasn't Lucy-san – who then defeated Freed-san?" Juvia wondered. They thought that bird actually could be one of Lucy's spirit. Unlikely, but that was the best guess…
"No idea…" Cana admitted.
November 15, X784, 14:00, Kardia Cathedral, 15 minutes remaining.
Laxus was sitting near the altar, staring into the floor and remembering some scene from his past. About six years ago, he was arguing with master about his father, and that he was tired of being judged as 'Makarov's grandson'. That day Laxus sworn to surpass his grandfather, not for his father, but so that he can be himself. So that he can be a man in his own right.
"Fifteen minutes remaining until the activation of the Palace of Thunder;" Another runic report popped up.
"So, he still doesn't feel like giving in, huh…?" Laxus asked himself, "I guess that's the stubborn old bastard I know, all right…" The cathedral's door opened behind him and Lexus turned around to see who's came.
Tall man, which wore a dark blue cloak and whose arms and legs were mostly covered in bandages, stepped inside the cathedral. He wore a dark blue bandana with a silver forehead protector. On his back were magic staves which were held by a dark green strap going across his body.
"So, you're here!" Predatory smile beamed on Laxus' face, "I never dreamed you'd actually decide to take part in my little game, Mystogan."
"Deactivate the Palace of Thunder immediately, and you may still be able to pass this off as a mere addition to the festivities," Mystogan suggested calmly.
"This is my lucky day!" Laxus shouted as he seemingly ignored Mystogan's words. "I'm sure you know, right? The rumors are flying left and right… about who is the strongest mage of Fairy Tail…"
"I have little interest in such things, but I would propose Gildarts," Mysterious mage replied.
"Eh, he's no use… he ain't coming back," Laxus replied carelessly. "Erza's showing a lot of promise and all, but she's still weak. And Natsu… he could be a real challenge, if he wouldn't have wasted so much time on that girl. That leaves only two of us…"
"Erza's weak? Natsu's wasting time?" Mystogan shook his head, "You must be completely blind if you really think so…"
"Look, I'm giving you a compliment here, Mystogan," Laxus sneered, "Right now the strongest member of Fairy Tail is one of us two."
"Is that really all you have eyes for…?" Mystogan wondered, "And you claim you are the lucky one…"
"Let's settle this once and for all, with the title of 'strongest' at stake!" Laxus shouted with evil grin on his face, "Mystogan… or should I say… another J…"
As he heard that, Mystogan abruptly grabbed one of his staves and shot a purple ray of magic at Laxus.
Seems master's grandson was expecting it as he shot powerful lightning bolt at his opponent. Two spells clashed, producing magical blast that shook the entire cathedral and shattered all stained-glass windows, making passersby to run away from cathedral in panic.
"Kardia Cathedral?!" Erza exclaimed as she heard the explosion in the very middle of the town.
"Oh, but of course…" Natsu sighed, disappointed with himself, as he too finally realized where Laxus is, "Hide on the most prominent place and no one'll try to look for you there…"
"…where did you learn of that?" Mystogan asked darkly.
"Really, where could I learn…" Laxus replied with insolent smirk, "Let's put it this way – I'll tell you if you beat me…"
"You will regret this, Laxus," Mystogan warned, raising his stave, "You are about to witness a form of magic you have never seen before."
"Bring it!" Laxus replied with maniacal expression, "I'll show you just how different the two of us are!"
Mystogan took all five his staves and plunged them into the stone floor in front of himself in half-arc formation. "Matenrō!" [Skyscraper] He cast his spell. Immediately, floor beneath Laxus' feet was destroyed as pillar of magical energy shot into the sky, obliterating the entire cathedral and propelling Laxus into the skies.
"Wha…?!" Laxus screamed in shock, caught into Mystogan's magic, "He destroyed the entire cathedral?! Impossible!" Seemingly, Laxus was propelled to the upper atmosphere as sky above him became dark and he was able to see the stars. Suddenly, light purple vortex appeared right above Laxus and four lianas shot from there, tying him up. And then, a huge, frog-like, draconic Demon tore a hole in space, reaching out with intention to grab Laxus. "What kind of magic is this?!" Laxus screamed as demon let out a deafening roar. "Raaaaaghh!" Lexus bellowed, channeling his magic to break away from lianas' grip. At the next moment, all of his surroundings blackened and crumbled to pieces, proving that it was just an illusion. Laxus still was in cathedral, with Mystogan in front of him.
"Ahahahahahaha!" Laxus laughed maniacally, waving off the remains of his opponent's spell, "What a load of crap! You thought that some stupid illusion would be enough to deal with me, Mystogan?!"
"Impressive enough," Illusionist-mage had to agree, "But you noticed just an instant too late," He added as ground beneath Laxus' feet began to glow, "You are already within my technique." Laxus quickly looked up, only to see five magic circles above himself. "Gojūmahōjin: Mikagura!" [Five Layered Magic Circle: Sacred Song]
"Now, which one of us is it that 'hasn't noticed', hmm?" Laxus asked with bold smirk. Mystogan quickly traced Laxus' line of sight, only to discover a golden magic seal beneath his own feet.
"GUUAAAHH!" Mystogan screamed as lightning bolt struck him from below.
"NUUAAAGH!" Laxus wailed as he was struck with a concentrated beam of magic power, released by five seals.
However, as their spells dissipated, Laxus appeared virtually unharmed as Mystogan got his cloth slightly ripped. As Laxus remained on the ground, eyeing his opponent with insolent smirk, Mystogan quickly performed a hand seal, making multiple purple waves of energy to appear from the ground and move to envelop his opponent.
But spell failed as Laxus quickly turned his own body into lightning bolt and escaped. "He got away?!" Mystogan exclaimed as Laxus, still in his lightning form, turned around and tried to attack him, enveloping him into electrical field. However, before Laxus could electrocute Mystogan, the later turned to mist and disappeared, reappearing on the floor, in the middle of cathedral's hall.
"Tch… not half-bad, are you?" Laxus asked as he appeared in front of Mystogan, regaining his human form. However, before two S-class mages could continue their battle…
"Laxus!" Erza and Natsu's voices could be heard as they simultaneously barged into the cathedral's door. Neither Natsu nor Erza were surprised to see each other here, Mystogan, however, was surprised to see them both as he wasn't aware that Levy let them out. Laxus seemingly just ignored the newcomers.
"Oh, it's you…" Natsu said, examining the mysterious mage, who tried to avoid looking at him and his wife, especially at the later.
Laxus saw Mystogan's distraction and quickly took advantage of it, "You're wide open!" He shouted, sending a lightning bolt right into Mystogan's face.
"Guuaah!" Mystogan screamed as he took a direct hit. Laxus' magic threw him backward and ripped his mask in pieces. He could hide his face no longer.
"Now that is what I'd call a surprise…" Natsu really was quite surprised to see Mystogan's face.
"Jellal?!" Erza's eyes flashed with hatred.
"Oh, a familiar face?" Laxus wondered.
"No, it's not him!" Natsu warned, asking his wife to stay calm, "Moreover, this man has nothing to do with Jellal, not even a distant relative…" Natsu saw it before and he could see it again – this man's soul was good and noble, while Jellal's soul was as black as the most moonless night.
Erza sniffed the air, "Yeah… he smells completely different… and I can't feel his magic… but then… who the hell are you?! Why you have the same face as Jellal?"
"I am sorry…" Mystogan mumbled, for some reason he was looking into the floor in shame, "Erza… I wanted you at least… not to see this face… I am not Jellal…" He said, turning to Titania, "I know of him, but he's not me…"
"That's not what I asked!" Erza exclaimed angrily, "I asked who are you and why you have the same face!"
"Because we can't choose a face for ourselves…" Mystogan replied, turning to Natsu, "I apologize… I leave the rest to you…" He said and disappeared.
"Hey!?" Erza shouted angrily.
"Erza, Focus! Our enemy is in front of us," Natsu called out for her again.
"He'll answer to me for this!" Erza exclaimed in frustration, shifting her gaze back to Laxus. 'But right now, Laxus takes priority!' She ordered herself to focus on current situation, ex-quipping her Lightning Empress armor.
"Now, I'm wondering…" Laxus said with insolent smirk, "Are you two going to fight against me together?"
"Yes," Natsu replied simply. Laxus knew that together Natsu and Erza can defeat him, yet he doesn't seem worried, he still has one advantage over them…
"And you sure you can defeat me in time?" He asked boldly, pointing upward. Another combat report appeared above him: 'Palace of Thunder activation: seven minutes remaining.'
"Seven minutes?!" Erza exclaimed in shock. Seeking for Laxus, she lost the track of time…
"Not good…" Natsu said, as well as Erza he knew that there's not enough time to deal with Laxus – despite his foolishness he's cunning and very powerful mage.
"Ahahaha! Just give it up already! Two or three more minutes and that old stubborn fool will resign. And I will be the master!" Laxus laughed maniacally.
Natsu and Erza looked at each other. They just couldn't say that master is sick, Laxus became too unpredictable. They had little choice… "I can trust you on this, right?" Erza smiled to her consort.
"Hey, have I ever failed you?" Natsu asked with some false resent. Erza smiled again, turned around and ran towards cathedral's gate.
"And just where do you think you're going?" Laxus asked skeptically.
"I'm going to put an end to your idiotic ambitions!" Titania shouted back.
"Hahahahahaha! Useless! Just destroying a single crystal could cost you your life!" Laxus laughed maniacally. "The four and half hundreds individual lacrima crystals floating in the sky up there! And you're out of time, too!"
"I'll destroy them all at once!" Erza replied.
"Impossible!" Laxus shouted, "And even if you do manage – no human can survive the damage from 450 lacrima crystals, you will die for sure!"
"I am not human!" Erza shouted back, "Make sure he'll pay for all the troubles he caused, Natsu!"
"Why, you… are you trying to destroy the rules of the game?!" Laxus growled as he realized that Erza is serious.
"I believe in you," Natsu said quietly, knowing that she-dragon will hear him.
"Abandon all hopes! I'll return and you'll be mine and mine alone!" She replied, making Natsu to smile a little.
"Oddity in feathers…" God slayer mumbled.
"Dammit! I won't let you…!" Laxus shouted as he rushed towards cathedral's gates, chasing Erza.
Blue flame engulfed Natsu's left arm as he dashed to intercept Laxus. Natsu landed a powerful blow into Laxus' abdomen, sending him flying head over heels towards the altar, away from gates. "The only way out of here for you is legs-forward…" Natsu noted with indifferent voice.
"This little brat!..." Laxus growled. As he stood up his body was trembling with rage.
November 15, X784, 14:10, Magnolia's town center, five minutes remaining.
In the middle of the crossroad, Erza stood, surrounded with the glowing orbs of plasma energy, which were looking like little stars. "That I may protect this land of Magnolia… stars, lend me your power!"
"And just what do you think you're doing?" Mirajane's voice asked from behind.
"I'm trying to save this town, go away!" Erza grunted, struggling to create more 'stars', which wasn't easy. Controlling such a number of objects, filled with plasma, was very difficult task.
"You… you're trying to destroy all these lacrimas alone?!" Mira exclaimed in disbelief, "Fed up with living, are you?!"
"I'm fed up with you! Stop distracting me, get out of here!" Erza demanded in frustration.
"Oh… just why he couldn't marry a normal girl…" Mira sighed, rising her arms, "Satan Sōru: Harufasu! [Satan Soul: Halphas]" She performed a Take Over, turning into blue-scaled demon.
"And what is it for?" Erza inquired.
"It is for that you won't get your ass burned too much," Mira replied as she began to create small rifts in space around herself. Each rift was capable of shooting a ray of darkness magic. "It's for Natsu, not for you! He may be saddened if you'll turn to ash…" Mirajane clarified, making Erza to smile.
"Just give it up, you two can't handle it," Gajeel noted from aside. As a dragon slayer, he undoubtfully heard Mira and Erza's entire conversation.
"Gajeel?!" Mirajane exclaimed, turning to Black Steel, "What do you want?!"
"I've come to show you how to break things," Iron dragon announced, "Watch and learn!"
"What?! You arrogant… you think you can destroy more than I!? Not a chance!" Mira exclaimed, creating more dark magical rifts.
"Bring it on!" Gajeel shouted, "Tetsuryūsō: Kishin!" [Iron Dragon's Lance: Demon Logs] Green magic seal appeared as Gajeel began to create iron spears.
'Natsu was right about him… We're the crazy guild, so he'll fit just fine…' Erza thought with smile.
November 15, X784, 14:12, Kardia cathedral, three minutes remaining.
"You've got to see it too, right, Natsu?!" Laxus bellowed, attacking Natsu with his fist cowered with lightning, which Natsu blocked with his sword. "Just what a sorry state this guild is in right now! Can't you see it, Wizard Saint?! I'm going to change this guild! And to do that, I have to be the master!" He shot a lightning bolt at Natsu
Natsu leaped aside, dodging Laxus' attack. "Sorry state? We're the number one guild in Fiore right now," Natsu replied, dodging another attack. "I agree – some changes are needed, the uncontrollable growth of guildmembers number has to be stopped. And we also need some rules instating some minimum amount of missions performed by guildmembers within certain amount of time," Natsu swung his sword, sending forth a shockwave but Laxus turned into lightning and avoided it. He flew towards Natsu and shot another lightning bolt, making him to leap aside. "But kicking out of the guild almost everyone won't do either. Even if you don't care about friendship and bonds, then think about money. I don't want to pay for all of the guild's expenses alone."
'Two minutes and thirty seconds remain until the activation of the Palace of Thunder,' Another battle report popped up.
"Dammit…! What's the old man playing at?! Does he not give a shit to what happen to the town?!" Laxus shouted, time was almost up.
"Don't get so worked up, Laxus," Natsu noted, seeing blonde guy's confusion. "All what is happening here now, all your efforts are in vain…"
"What?!" Laxus exclaimed in anger and confusion.
"What good does it do to you to destroy the town?" Natsu inquired with the same indifferent voice. "You really want to stop all this 'game' of yours by yourself now… But you can't – there's no way back… You know, it's almost funny, but you actually don't need to be the master to change guild. We, S-class mages, have an authority, you know. Would you decide to go through guild rules, gaining support from other S-class mages, and we could force master to change some rules. I've already told you what I think about the guild, and others aren't blind either, Laxus, we all see that some changes are needed. Or at least you could challenge master directly… But instead, you dishonored yourself by taking hostages…" As Natsu spoke, Laxus was becoming more and more angry.
"Don't you get so damn cocky with me!" Laxus shouted in Fury, gathering lightning in his hand and sanding another lightning bolt at Natsu.
"Your struggle against me is pointless – you already lost. I admit – you have more magic power than I do right now – but that solely due to our age difference. Give me two or three months and I'll surpass you… we both will surpass you. On the other hand, in means of experience and intelligence I'm already way above your level… this is already all over," Natsu said indifferently.
"SHUDDUP!" Laxus bellowed in fury and threw another lightning bolt, aiming at god slayer.
"Don't you worry, I will ease your pain…" Natsu noted, as this time he 'caught' enemy's spell with his sword's blade and threw the lightning charge away, "I'll let you taste the solace of death…"
November 15, X784, 14:13:30, Magnolia's town center, 90 seconds remaining.
"148… 149…" Erza counted, panting, struggling to create more stars.
"98… 99…" Mirajane barely stood on her feet.
"98… 99…" Gajeel's iron spears were trembling in the air, it was hard for him to sustain them.
"Still… not enough to take them out… all at once…" Erza summed her own 'stars', Mira's rifts and Gajeel's spears. "Ugh…" She collapsed on left knee, "Just a hundred more… we need a hundred more or we won't take them all out at once…"
"I know…" Mira croaked, sustaining her demonic form and almost a hundred of rifts was putting a great strain on her, "Just a bit… more time…"
"Damned thunder bastard…" Gajeel clenched his fists, "So many of those things…"
Lacrimas in the air began to glow, they were ready to discharge…
'Hey! Everyone, can you hear me?!' Suddenly, someone's voice sounded in Erza, Mirajane and Gajeel's heads, 'This is an emergency! Look at the sky!'
"Warren?!" Erza recognized the voice.
"Who is this?!" Gajeel looked around.
"It's Warren's telepathy," Mira explained.
'Quit just lying around there, people – get up!' Warren called for the guild members.
Fairy Tail mages all around the town heard the voice in their heads.
'Warren?'
'What's going on…?'
'What happened?'
'Oh no…' Lucy moaned, 'Now I hear a voice in my head…'
'Anyone, who's fighting, give it a rest!' Warren continued, 'Now, listen up, all of you! We have to take out those things floating in the sky with all the magic we have! Not a single one is to be left! That's Laxus' spell that's about to attack the town! There's no time to spare! Everybody, just do it!'
'What?! Those are Laxus'?!' Mages looked into the sky.
"Warren? How did you know about the…?" Erza wondered – he couldn't know about Palace of Thunder.
'Have to search through almost the entire town to find him,' Gray's voice replied through Warren's magic.
"Gray!?" Mirajane exclaimed, "So that's what you were planning?!"
'Yeah… finally found him, thanks to someone's little help…' Gray replied.
'Don't mention it,' Sin's voice was translated over Warren's thoughts.
'Mira?!' Someone asked, surprised to hear her voice, 'So you've been depetrified? Alright!'
'Hey… If Mira's safe, then what about the other girls?' Droy inquired.
'What about Levy?!' Jet asked.
We're all fine, don't you worry,' Cana replied.
'Levy-san and Bisca-san are at the guild now,' Juvia confirmed.
'Sorry, my telepathy doesn't reach as far as the guild,' Warren clarified. 'But at any rate, everyone who is receiving this! You have to attack those things floating in the…'
'Warren… you bastard!' Max interfered into Warren's broadcasting, 'You think I've forgotten what you did to me…?'
'Max?!' Warren exclaimed. They were fighting and Warren had to knock Max out. 'I'm really sorry about that, man, I was just frantic to save the girls…'
But now all other mages began to recall their grudges.
'Hey, that's right! Are you hearing this, Alzack?!'
'You to, Niggy, damn you!'
'Mikki! You'll pay for that!'
'Tono, I'm not forgiving you any time soon!'
'What morons…' Sin facepalmed. Because his skull was 'impenetrable', Sin couldn't participate in 'telepathic network' directly, but he got the general picture of what is going on, as he heard Warren's words and by overall expression on his and Gray's faces.
'THE INFIGHTING CAN WAIT!' Gray bellowed in frustration, freaking Warren out.
'SHUT UP!' Whole guild shouted back, freaking out Warren more.
'Here's no time right now! Just take out those things in the sky!' Gary yelled, making Warren to cry.
"Stop!" Erza exclaimed, "Those things are protected with living link magic!"
But no one listened to her.
'We finish this after we've destroyed those things!' Max announced.
'Nab, you bastard! You better stay right where you are!' Vijeeter exclaimed angrily.
'Macao, you just get some sleep… I doubt you can handle it!' Wakaba shouted, targeting one of the lacrima.
'The hell was that, Wakaba! That's big talk for an old fart, I'll show you how it's done!' Macao replied, readying his magic.
'Lucy, are you sure? You still look bad…' Cana inquired as she saw Lucy readying her whip.
'Yes! I have to!' Lucy replied.
'Lucy-san, Juvia will lift you up to lacrima then,' Water witch suggested.
"All right then!" Erza smiled. "I'll take out the entire inner circle of lacrimas!"
"Me and flaxen-haired will handle those 200 in the north!" Gajeel announced.
"Everyone else – concentrate on the southern side!" Mirajane ordered.
"Let's go!" Erza launched all 150 'stars' towards lacrimas of inner circle.
"Take that!" Mira shouted, as all 100 of her rifts shot rays of darkness magic.
"Spears away!" Gajeel launched his iron spears.
"Don't leave a single one!" Gray made ten lances made of ice and shot them towards lacrimas.
From aside it looked like hundreds of different-colored rays shot to the skies, flying towards lacrimas, as Fairy Tail mages used their magic. For the passersby, it was just like a greatest firework ever.
"What's all this!?"
"Ahh, look!"
"Is it Fairy Tail?!"
"Those folks just get flashier every year!"
"Hah! Nice show!"
All 450 lacrimas were destroyed.
"Piece a cake," Gajeel noted negligently.
"We… did it…" Mira let out a sigh of release.
"Yeah… Ow ow…" Erza yelped as she was engulfed into electrical field, "AAAAUUUUUUGGHH!" She screamed in agony, gaining a feedback from 150 lacrimas.
"YYAAAAAUUUU!" "NGUUUAAAHH!" Mirajane and Gajeel were electrocuted by powerful discharges as well.
Across all the town electrical flashes were occurring, accompanied by screams of Fairy Tail mages.
'Is… is everyone… all right…' Warren asked via his telepathy. He was lying on the ground, unable to move as his clothes were smoldering.
"Honestly… you people can be so reckless…" Erza said. Her entire body was aching like hell, but she was smiling.
'You're not exactly… one to talk…' Gray replied, barely moving his tongue.
'Hahah… we really are… quite some guild, aren't we…'
'We'd be… even better… if Laxus wasn't at the rebellious age…'
'Oh yeah… well said…'
'Arzack, you're okay…?'
'Droy?... Yeah, I think so… thanks…'
November 15, X784, 14:16, Kardia cathedral.
Last combat report appeared in the middle of the cathedral's hall: 'Palace of Thunder: Out of Order.' Also, there was many sub-reports about quantity of destroyed lacrimas by guild mages: 'Erza: 150. Mirajane: 100. Gajeel: 100. Gray: 10. Lucy: 1. Juvia: 1. Cana: 1. Jet: 1. Droy: 1. Wakaba: 1.' And so on, and so forth, 449 in total…
"Well, I guess that's it," Natsu noted, looking at Laxus' confused face. "You have no more bargaining chips left. It's over…"
"Oh no… It's not over…" Laxus growled, he was shaking with fury, "Fairy Tail will be mine…"
"How?" Natsu inquired.
"AAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!" Laxus roared as his magic manifested itself as powerful electrical field, which wrecked nearby columns and the floor beneath him. "Through force!" Laxus replied Natsu's question.
"For the last time Laxus, give up," Natsu said, looking at him with unmasked scorn, "Fairy Tail isn't going to belong to you…" Despite Natsu knew that Laxus was very powerful mage, he wasn't worried for some reason…
"Oh, it will… Yes… I should never have bothered trying to bargain…" Laxus growled, gathering his magic, "I should have just relied on this power of mine from the very beginning! This ultimate power is the true core of my identity!"
"You're pathetic…" Natsu said, pointing at Laxus with his sword. "Only our actions define our identities, and today you've defined yourself pretty clearly…"
"CAN'T YOU JUST SHUT UP!?" Laxus bellowed, infuriated to the limit by Natsu's lections and indifferent behavior. He charged his magic and assaulted Natsu with flurry of blows. "Come and try me, Fairy Tail! I'll take everything you throw at me!"
"Sentō Chūkaku!" [Combat Core] Crimson light engulfed Natsu's body as he used his self-amplification spell. With greatly increased speed and dexterity god slayer managed to dodge or block all of Laxus' attacks.
"Vanish! Disappear!" Laxus yelled, charging massive lightning bolt and sending it at Natsu. God slayer didn't try to block Laxus' magic. However, when enemy's spell almost struck him, Natsu turned into a flock of crimson ravens, which flew around Laxus, gathering again behind his back and turning back into Natsu, who swung his sword, sending another shockwave at Laxus. "Huh?!" Blonde guy was caught off-guard, yet he managed to block Natsu's attack, but only partially. "How have you done that?!" Laxus shouted.
"I'm learning, Laxus," Natsu replied. "I've learned many things from whom I met with, including my enemies…"
"I see…" Laxus smirked as he realized that Natsu just copied his own ability to turn into lightning, "I've heard rumors about your eyes, but never believed… to think that you can copy someone's spell during the battle…"
"It's quite simple if enemy's magic is similar to my own…" Natsu explained.
"Heh… I must admit – you're good…" Laxus said.
"This is one of the reasons why I deliberately prolonging this fight," Natsu added, "I want to see all of your spells, and if I'll find a useful one – I'll take it for myself…"
"Hah, then try to take this one!" Laxus shouted, raising his right arm up. As Laxus was chanting the incantation, huge sphere of lightning magic appeared under cathedral's roof.
"Resounding through the air,
the roar of thunder,
plunge from the heavens
and reap destruction!
Rējingu Boruto!" [Raging Bolt] Laxus swung his arm down, commanding his Raging Bold to descend upon Natsu. Spell fell right on God Slayer, eliciting blinding flash of light and powerful electrical blast.
"So, Natsu, how was it?!" Laxus asked, laughing maniacally and looking at huge cloud of dust, made by his spell, "Ahahahaha! Guess you can't answer when you've been fried!"
"No, thanks, but I already have the similar spell," Natsu replied, cutting off Laxus' joy. Dust dissipated and Natsu appeared unharmed, encased into some sort of a cage, made of dark blue energy, which looked like a ribcage of some monster. "Got anything else? Or you finally grew tired of your own empty threats?" God slayer wondered.
"I do…" Laxus growled, shaking with fury, "I'm tired of talking… You… Erza… Mystogan… The old man… the guild members… and the citizens of this pathetic town… YOU CAN ALL JUST GO TO HELL!" Laxus bellowed, charging an immense amount of magical power. Natsu recognized the feeling – he realized what Laxus wants to do. Master Makarov's ultimate spell of judgement, which targets everyone the user identifies as an enemy… FAIRY LAW!
"You're completely lived out of your mind, Laxus?" Natsu asked, still with the same indifferent manner, despite his opponent was preparing to unleash Fairy Law.
Suddenly, cathedral's door opened and Levy barged into the cathedral's hall. "Laxus! Stop!" She yelled with some desperate resolve.
"Levy?" Natsu looked at her with surprise, "A heavy book hit your head or something? Get out of here!" God slayer commanded but Levy just ignored him.
"The master is…" She cried, stuttering, as tears swell in her eyes, "Your own grandfather is… is on death's door!"
"Hmm?" Laxus turned his attention to Levy, he seemed a bit stunned.
"So please! Just stop this! Just go and see him!" Levy cried as Laxus stood still, staring into space.
"On death's door…" Natsu said quietly, he didn't think that master's condition is that bad, 'That's not good… this is an unfortunate turn of events…'
"LAXUS!" Levy still tried to convince Laxus to stop.
For the moment, it seemed that Levy succeeded as Laxus looked shocked a bit, but then… "Well, that suits me just great!" He shouted with victorious grin, "Looks like my chances of becoming a master just went up again!"
"Wha….?" Levy mumbled in weak voice, deeply shocked by Laxus' cruelty and indifference towards his grandfather's fate.
"What a paltry insect you are, Laxus…" Natsu said with deep sight.
"Ahahahahaha! Die, Fairy Tail!" Laxus shouted as he continued to cast Fairy Law. "I'll build you up again from scratch! I'll create a guild that'll never lose! That'll make everyone tremble in fear! I'll make the ultimate guild!"
"No…!" Levy cried, falling on her knees and covering her face.
"You left me no choice…" Natsu said with sight, as Laxus was ready to unleash his spell "Not that I was intending to spare you from the very beginning, though…"
"Fearī Rō! [Fairy Law] Activa… GUUAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Suddenly, Laxus let out a horrible scream of agony. He fell on knees, holding to his abdomen, as Fairy Law sequence was interrupted at the last moment. Some dark blue, glowing substance began to spread across Laxus' body.
"Huh?" Levy couldn't understand what happened. She first looked at Laxus, only to see him squirming in agony. Then she shifted her gaze on Natsu and gasped in horror as she saw his mutilated left arm, burning with blue flames. "Wha… What…?"
"I already told you – your efforts are in vain…" Natsu said, coming closer to Laxus, as his eyes were glowing, right one with crimson and left one with dark blue light. "Didn't you know, Laxus? Fairy Law actually can't kill anyone. It was designed to weaken enemies, dry out their powers and deprive them of their will to fight. Unlike the spell I used on you…"
"What… have you… GUAAAHH! Done… to me…?!" Laxus asked, he could barely speak due to excruciating, unbearable pain.
"It's called Hyōko no Tenhatsu [Curse of the Damned]," Natsu answered, raising his skeletal arm. "You probably didn't notice, but I've implanted a 'seed' inside you when you've tried to chase Erza…" As Natsu said that, Laxus remembered that Natsu struck him into abdomen when Erza left. "I mastered that spell to destroy a certain man… Even I couldn't imagine that one day I'll have to use it against a member of my own guild…" God slayer admitted. Initially Natsu planned to use this technique against Jellal…
"This… is… Kuroi Geijutsu?! [Black Arts]" Laxus asked, almost half of his body now was tainted with dark substance, which literally was soaking heat from his innards.
"What… Kuroi Geijutsu… Natsu…" Levy mumbled in deep shock, "You're going… to… k-kill… him?!"
"He's a betrayer, Levy. Punishment for treason is death," Natsu replied as if it was quite obvious, "But no, he's not going to die. No, I mean – of course he'll die, but that's not enough to satisfy me now. I've foredoomed him for a fate much worse than death. The curse will soak his life force until nothing left, completely destroying his body, but his accursed soul will be forever bound to the place where all sorrows are sleeping, forced to rove there until the end of the times…" Natsu explained, accompanied by Laxus' screams. "Initially I was intending to simply kill him and be done with it, I really tried to avoid using that technique, but he went beyond any salvation. And once it's activated – it cannot be undone…"
"But… no… Natsu… he's masters…" Levy stuttered, her shock was too deep so she couldn't even cry.
"I don't' care, Levy," Natsu replied simply. "But don't you worry, you don't need to live with the burden of these knowledge… Nōtōkei!" [Brain Freeze] Natsu raised his left arm and shot a ray of dark blue energy right into Levy's forehead.
"Ahh?!" Levy yelped as dark blue ray struck her head, knocking her out.
"She'll forgot everything that happened during last twenty minutes…" Natsu said, as he touched Laxus' neck with his sword, "As for you… I guess I'll be telling that you've ran away…" Natsu though aloud as his curse almost completely engulfed Laxus' body, "If master is in critical condition, then news about your demise can just finish him off… you're his grandson, after all…"
"Shut up…" Laxus growled, "Shut up… Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!" He bellowed as his body suddenly began to radiate an immense amount of magical energy, forcing Natsu to step back, "I AM NOT HIS GRANDSON! I AM MYSELF! I AM LAXUS!" To Natsu's surprise, Laxus' magic began to clear his body from dark substance.
'How's that possible?! He's destroying my curse?!' God slayer couldn't believe his eyes, 'But how?! Humans cannot…' But answer to Natsu's question came by itself as Laxus' magic continued to manifest itself. It was no longer just lightning magic… "This… So that's how it is… This is the reason for your huge amount of magical power… I knew it's just too much for a human mage, no matter how big is his tallent…" Natsu pronounced as he finally realized that Laxus also had a secret, which even Natsu's heavenly eyes couldn't see. Laxus canines grew, as his arms now were covered with scales. "Dragon lacrima crystal, is it? " Natsu asked. "And you even can use Ryū no Chikara [Dragon Force]?"
Laxus' talent for magic was quite commendable, and his inborn attribute – Izanagi – the mix of wood and thunder – is also benefiting for his magic, but still, even combined that is not enough for generic human at this early age to have so much of magical power. But now everything fell into place as Laxus revealed his dragon lacrima.
"Ahahahahaha!" Laxus laughed maniacally as his body was completely cleared from Natsu's curse as large splashes of blue substance were on the floor around him. He, however, was breathing heavily and looked exhausted as his coat and shirt were ripped to pieces.
"Impressive…" Natsu admitted, looking at a dragon slayer. "Most impressive that you've managed to hide these powers, even from me…" God slayer quickly re-estimated situation.
"The old man always was telling me to keep my mouth shut about this detail," Laxus replied. "But now I can show you how much special I am!" Laxus made a deep breath, gathering his magic, "Rairyū no Hōkō!" [Thunder Dragon's Roar] Laxus shot concentrated blast of lightning dragon magic at Natsu. He landed a direct hit, as shockwave shook the entire cathedral.
"Too late," Natsu's voice sounded from the dust cloud. "Your dragon's power saved you from my curse, but it didn't change the situation." Dust dissipated as Natsu appeared unharmed, standing with his skeletal arm stretched forward, projecting some sort of energy shield. "You spent huge amount of magic power to overcome my Hyōko no Tenhatsu, while all life force, soaked from you by my curse now at my disposal…" As Natsu said that, Laxus found out that all splashes of that dark blue substance have gone.
Natsu raised his skeletal arm as his Shisō Geijutsu [Deathfrost Art] began to manifest itself in form of dreaded dark blue mist. Laxus made a step back, gritting his teeth and looking at Natsu with hatred and anger – he knew that Natsu said the truth. Besides, Natsu noticed that Laxus' Dragon Force was limited – his power growth was incomparable to Erza's when she entered Dragon Force mode – she rose on completely different level back then. Though, Natsu already knew that – lacrima alone isn't enough to become a full-fledged dragon slayer.
"Alright," Natsu said, raising his sword. "You saved your soul, but you're still going to die. Rest assured – I won't miss. And don't you worry – an unexpected benefit – your dragon lacrima – I promise to put it into good use." Natsu channeled his magic into Gladius Terminus as its blade began to shine as bright as sun, "Farewell, Laxus. "Senmei Saikō: Saryō… [Sure-kill Shot: Airy…]" But Natsu interrupted his spell. 'Huh? What's this?!' God slayer's attention quickly turned from Laxus to his own left arm as blue spikes began to flash around it as dark blue flame was burning brighter and brighter with each passing second. 'Damn, this is…!'
BOOM! Powerful magical blast shook the entire cathedral.
As his dazedness faded, Natsu slowly looked up, to the sky. He broke the cathedral's wall with his own body as explosion threw him out from building. "Oh damn…" Natsu mumbled as he shifted his gaze to his arm once again. There was no arm anymore, it was completely torn out from shoulder joint as blood was flowing from ripped blood vessels. "This is not good at all…"
"Natsu?!" With her heart Erza felt that something really bad happened to her beloved. She also heard the explosion. And not only she…
"Damn, it hurts…" Gajeel grunted, slowly standing up.
"What are you doing?" Titania inquired.
"Someone has to save your oafish husband…" Iron dragon slayer replied.
"Natsu…" Erza mumbled again and also began to stand up, slowly as her every muscle was crying in protest after severe electrocution.
"How the hell can you stand up after that?!" Mira croaked. She couldn't move a finger.
"I doesn't matter can I stand up or not… I have to…" Erza replied, hobbling towards cathedral, "Natsu needs me…"
"I made a promise…" Gajeel said simply and followed Titania.
"Okay…" Mira sighed. "You go… I already did my part…" She added, mentioning that she defeated Bixlow.
Natsu used his telekinetic magic to clamp his ripped off blood vessels and stop the blood loss, however, he already lost quite a lot… Boom! Suddenly, Natsu was struck by lightning bolt and crashed into nearby house's wall. "Ahahahaha! So, what you'll say about my chances now, Natsu!?" Laxus asked, laughing like crazy. "Rairyū no Hōkō!" Laxus released another blast of thunder dragon's lightning.
"Senjin no Dogō!" [War God's Howl] Natsu released a vortex of crimson energy, which clashed with Laxus' spell, producing powerful explosion.
"You still can fight… good!" Laxus shouted, "Take that!" Laxus dashed to Natsu and engaged him in hand-to-hand combat. Laxus was worn out and his magic powers were on wane, but he still had enough to defeat severely wounded Natsu. God slayer lost a lot of blood, all power that his curse sucked from Laxus, and his arm, which he usually used to hold his sword.
"You never had any respect towards those trashes!" Laxus shouted, assaulting Natsu with lightning-covered fists, "Why you still trying to deny me?! I'm going to clean the guild from unworthy!" Natsu didn't reply, he was focused on combat.
However, Natsu couldn't defend himself from Laxus' attacks. He still has a lot of magical power, but due to severe damage, he couldn't move fast enough to avoid or block Laxus' blows. Boom! Laxus kicked Natsu into abdomen, throwing him backward. "Rairyū no Ranken!" [Thunder Dragon's Storm Fist] Laxus created a fist-like bundle of lightning energy and launched it into Natsu, who still haven't stood up. Natsu tried to slice the spell with his sword, but he wasn't fast enough, since he didn't get used to hold his sword with his right arm – thunder fist exploded, producing directional blast, smashing Natsu into cathedral's wall. "Rairyū no Hōkō!" Laxus released concentrated blast of lightning energy, landing a direct hit on Natsu and electrocuting him.
"So, are you ready to accept me as a guild master?!" Laxus asked, laughing, as Natsu couldn't raise up from knees.
"The guild will never be yours…" Natsu replied with a hoarse voice. "Even if you will defeat me now… it won't be over… I simply cannot be…"
"You little brat!" Laxus bellowed, infuriated with Natsu's defiance, "I'll kill you so dead that there'll be nothing left!" Laxus gathered all his remaining magic, creating a large halberd above his head, "DIE! Rairyū no Hōtengeki!" [Thunder Dragon's Heavenward Halberd]
Laxus threw his sparkling lightning shell into Natsu, filling the air with roaring thunder. There was a good chance that this attack will finish Natsu off. But then… when Laxus' shell almost hit Natsu, it suddenly changed its trajectory and turned aside. "What?!" Laxus shouted in shock as his bolt struck Gajeel, who used his Tetsuryūkon [Iron Dragon's Club] to create a lightning rod, transforming his own hand.
"Gaaaahhhh!" Iron dragon screamed as Laxus' spell electrocuted his body, which already had more than enough contacts with electricity for today.
"Iron!? Don't… tell me… he used himself as a lightning rod… to save him?!" Laxus couldn't believe his eyes. "But it's still useless!" He shouted, "He cannot fight anyway!" Victory was still in Laxus' hands.
"Wrong…" Ersa's hoarse voice sounded from aside. Both Natsu and Laxus turned to her. She was covered with burns and barely could hold on feet.
"Erza, please leave…" Natsu tried to warn his wife, "He's unpredictable…"
"And what are you going to do?" Laxus asked. "You cannot fight against me!"
"I know," Erza replied as she summoned one of her new swords – Eclipsis – and plunged it into the ground. She used almost all of her magic to make those 'stars' to destroy the Palace of Thunder and she couldn't replenish her powers with that cloudy sky. But, most importantly, she couldn't fight after such a massive electroshock. She had one option left…
"What are you doing?" Laxus asked skeptically as he couldn't understand what she was doing.
Erza didn't reply as she made several steps away from her sword and turned around. "Your ball, Natsu," She said.
"Are you nuts?!" Natsu asked in shock as he realized what she wants to do.
"I've married you, so it should be obvious," Erza replied, taking deep breath, "Seiryū no Hōkō!" [Star Dragon's Roar] Using her last remaining magic, Erza released her plasma breath towards her own sword, which reflected her spell back. Her own spell struck Erza, producing powerful explosion, smashing her to cathedral's wall and knocking her out.
"What the hell was that?!" Laxus exclaimed in shock.
"Cardinal! Go!" Gajeel croaked, lying on the ground.
"Psyches…" Natsu mumbled, taking a deep breath. Dense red cloud detached from Erza's body and Natsu consumed it. Crimson glow engulfed Natsu's body, as his magic power and health were restored. No, his left hand hasn't grown again of course, but wounds were closed. "Say 'good night', Laxus…" Natsu whispered as his eyes were glowing with crimson light.
"You… you…" Laxus growled, but he couldn't do anything to stop Natsu – he had no magic left.
"Senjin no Saiken!" [War God's Crashing Fist] Natsu dashed to Laxus and slammed his crimson fist into enemy's chest. "Senjin no Shōkya!" [War God's Shock Kick] Natsu slammed his foot into Laxus' face. "Senjin no Ken!" [War God's Blade] Using his only arm, Natsu created an energy blade and smashed it into Laxus' abdomen. "Senjin no Sentsui!" [War God's Warhammer] Natsu made huge crimson hammer and made an upward swing, sanding Laxus into the air. "Senjin no Yōshihō!" [War God's Proton Cannon] Natsu shot powerful ray of crimson energy, which caught Laxus into powerful vortex blast. "Metsujin Ōgi: Ketsusei Manjinyō!" [God Slayer's Secret Art: Blood Star: Ten Thousand Blades Dance] Multiple crimson swords surrounded Laxus and exploded, lightening up the sky to the very horizon.
"GUUUUAAAAAHHH!" Laxus screamed as one of Natsu's most powerful spell almost tore him apart.
"Senmei Saikō: Jūrokuya: Kiru!" [Sure-kill Shot: Sixteen Nights: Murder] Natsu jumped up, and while Laxus was still in mid-air, Natsu hit Laxus with his sword, wounding him and propelling him downwards.
Boom! Laxus crashed into the ground, severely wounded and utterly defeated. He hasn't died yet only because Natsu held his sword with his only remaining hand during his last attack
Natsu came closer to his body and raised his sword again, channeling his magic into Gladius Terminus' blade once again, but blade didn't start to shine – that was something else. "Go to oblivion…" Natsu said, as he made several swings with his sword, drawing a seal in the air right above Laxus' body.
"Abisu Bureiku!?" [Abyss Break] Gajeel exclaimed as he recognized the seal that Natsu drew. "It will not only kill Laxus but also will destroy the entire cathedral's square!"
"Abisu Bureiku? No, it's even better… It's called the Kurai Jinshū no Ishi [Will of the Dark Pantheon] Utilizing not the basic elements but powers of four dark gods, it will make a festive firework that no one will forget…" Natsu replied with cold hatred in his voice. Gajeel noticed that seal actually was different from standard Abyss Break. Instead of elemental symbols, the seal contained symbols of four gods: The White Lady, Morrigan, Arawn and Balor. "No mercy for the wicked…" Natsu pronounced, as his seal began to glow, it was ready to unleash the blast of cosmic dark energy.
"Stop!" Gajeel shouted, "It's already over, no need to kill him!"
Honestly, Natsu was surprised to hear such words from Gajeel. "You want me to spare him? Why?" God slayer asked.
"I… made a promise…" Gajeel replied, unwilling to tell any detail.
"You saved me from the whole bunch of troubles and expenses that I would've got if my physical body would've been destroyed, so I owe you now. If you want me to spare him – so be it, but then I'll count my debt to you as being paid. Is that okay with you?" Natsu asked.
"Yes," Gajeel said simply as he nodded slightly.
"As you wish…" Natsu said and his magic seal disappeared.
November 15, X784, 17:40, Bloodfallen family's house.
"Umm…" Erza moaned, as she slowly opened her eyes. She was lying on her back, staring into the ceiling of her own bedroom.
"How do you feel?" Natsu's voice asked from aside. He stood near window, looking at a peaceful country scene, being submerged into his own thoughts. Erza tried to look at him but her body refused to move.
"Nohow…" Titania replied emotionlessly. It was a truth – she really wasn't feeling anything but strange emptiness in herself. No emotions, no passion, nothing. It was disturbing, but also so peaceful…
"Your emotions will return within few hours…" Natsu said softly as he sat near his wife, "Unlike your sanity… which seems to be lost forever…" He added, placing his now only palm on Erza's forehead. There was no censure in Natsu's words, in contrary – he was admiring her…
"Is it hurt?" Erza wondered, looking at Natsu's empty left sleeve.
"No…" Natsu replied, as he laid beside his beloved. "Actually, for the first time in the last four years it is not hurt…"
"So, your curse is no more?" She wondered.
"No… I'm still cursed… but now I can't spread it on the others… its benefits are gone but the drawbacks are still here…" Natsu admitted with heavy sigh.
Erza didn't want to ascertain what happened with Natsu's arm. Right now, she just said a phrase that Natsu was saying to her many times before now: "Everything will come out all right…" She whispered, wrapping her barely mowing arm around Natsu's head.
With the Fairy Tail's internal struggle over and done with, the town was back to celebrating the Harvest Festival, like nothing even happened. The scars earned in the process have only strengthened everyone's bonds with one another; now a glorious sky enfolds them all…
Many people gathered at Magnolia's marketplace, celebrating, chatting and discussing the morning's events.
"I heard the Fantasia Parade has been postponed until tomorrow…" One of townspeople said.
"Why's that, then?" Another one asked.
"Well, the guild members did seem to be making an awful ruckus today…" The third one noted.
"Rumors has it their master is in bad shape…" First one replied.
"Whoa, whoa! You're not telling me the old guy's going to retire?!" One of passersby asked worriedly.
"Who's going to be the next master then?!" Another one wondered.
"Hey, I don't know that much… but logically, wouldn't it have to be Laxus?" The first man replied.
Unintentionally, the last phrase reached Porlyusica's ears, who was passing by the market – old lady was heading towards her house in forest. She stopped and listened to the conversation for a few seconds.
"That hooligan, master?!" Someone asked.
"Really gets you thinking, doesn't it?" Another man wondered. "I mean, we've known that guy since he was just a kid! I guess… that just shows how old we all are, huh?"
"Hahaha," Several people laughed at this phrase.
"Humans…" Porlyusica snorted and continued her way towards her house.
November 16, X784, 9:10, Fairy Tail.
Most members of Fairy Tail gathered at the guild hall to celebrate the end of the 'fighting festival'. Many people got injures of different degree of severity, but all were in good mood.
"It looks like, thanks to Porlyusica-san, master's life is no longer in imminent danger," Erza announced to the guild, she also had her legs and right arm bandaged, "Don't worry, the master's going to be fine."
Guild met this news with cheerful shouts. "Thank goodness! I was really worried for a while there…!" Lucy exclaimed, clapping her hands.
"Heh, the old man isn't gonna go out that easily," Gray commented.
"Still, his years are certainly showing… If he's put under too much stress, his condition could worsen again. I'd like everyone to keep that in mind," Titania added.
Several guild members were interested in another matter. "Are we really going to do the Fantasia Parade with the guild in this state?" Elfman wondered.
"Well, the master wants it to go ahead, so… You could say it's in situation like this that we need it more than ever," Erza replied.
"Juvia is looking forward to seeing the Fantasia Parade as well!" Water witch exclaimed excitedly.
"You're going to be taking part, not watching!" Cana noted.
"Whaa?!... But Juvia only just joined the guild, so…" She exclaimed in surprise.
"With so many people injured, apparently they're getting anyone and everyone who can still move about to take part…" Sin shrugged, landing on Lucy's shoulder.
"What, you mean me, too?!" Lucy asked in surprise.
"Yes, and I can't see the reason why that surprises you…" Sin replied.
"Are you sure you need me for this? Last year you performed on your own just fine, you were the best…" Natsu mumbled, trying to avoid the participation in parade. He always was up to make a show, but it has to be his show, not the motley horde of mages.
"You've promised!" Erza exclaimed with accusing tone and poked Natsu into chest with her index finger, "I've married you not to perform alone!"
"But I have no idea what to do with all that crowd around me…" Natsu still was trying to evade the show.
"Ah, of course, if show ain't revolves around you then it's a bad show!" Erza replied sarcastically. "Don't you worry – I know what we both will be doing, so it seems you're lucky," She added acidly.
"Yes, I'm lucky…" He replied, tenderly embracing his spouse, making all of Erza's frustration to disappear in an instant.
"Nasty boy…" She murmured, smiling softly.
By the way, no one (except for Gajeel and Erza) knew that Natsu lost his left arm completely. Earlier this morning he's visited a tailor, which again has sewn the left sleeve back to his coat. Using his telekinetic magic, Natsu could make his sleeve and glove to act as if his hand is still intact.
"Oh well…" Erza sighed, looking at the celebrating mages, "…at least it looks like our trouble within the guild is over and done with for the moment…"
Despite their traumas, people continued to celebrate, until… A man's figure appeared in the doorway, gaining everyone's attention. Without saying anything or even looking at anyone, man walked through the guildhall. It was Laxus.
"Laxus?!"
"How you…?!"
"What the…?!"
Angry shouts could be heard from all around the guild.
"Where's the old man?" Laxus asked with arrogant face expression. His right arm was broken and plastered, his entire chest was bandaged due to severe wound made by Natsu's sword. He was limping badly on his right leg.
"Why you… you've got some nerve, wanting to see the master after that you've done!"
"Damn right!"
"Get out of here!"
Fairy Tail mages were outraged by Laxus' appearance.
"Leave it!" Mirajane came in front of the angry crowd, ordering them to not hinder Laxus, and surprising everyone. "He's in the medical office through there," Platinum blonde pointed upstairs.
"Oi… Mira?!" Several mages exclaimed in surprise.
Laxus gave a short nod and continued his way towards the med bay.
"Are you sure about this?" Gray asked quietly.
"Yes, I think he's cooled off quite a lot… besides, I think he's in worse shape than master anyway…" Mira replied.
Noticing the change in atmosphere, Erza stepped out to the center of the guildhall. "Now then. Everyone, let's get preparations underway for Fantasia Parade!"
"Hey, are you people sure it's okay to let Laxus go through there like that?!" Elfman exclaimed.
"It'll be fine," Titania replied, "C'mon, we have a lot of things to take care of."
"Bloodfallen…" Gajeel quietly called out for Natsu, seems he didn't want Erza to hear his words. Natsu turned to iron dragon and looked at him questioningly. "According to that I've heard, you and Laxus have quite similar ideas about the guild. Why you were against him?" Gajeel wondered.
"Guild needs changes, but not with him in charge. He's not worthy to be a guild's leader," Natsu replied. "His ideas are no use since he has no honor. Warrior… or mage without honor is just an animal… no, an insect with magic. He tried to use Fairy Law to destroy us all… after that I had no doubts."
Gajeel nodded in sign that he understood Natsu's reasons. Maybe he didn't agree with them, but still.
Even through the med bay's closed door the hubbub and clamors from the first floor could be heard. "What a noisy rabble…" Laxus mumbled, gaining Makarov's attention. The old man slowly opened his eyes and sat in bed.
"Laxus…" Makarov asked, turning to his grandson, "Do you understand what you have done here?" Laxus haven't replied, he stood still, looking aside. "Look me in the eyes," Makarov demanded, forcing Laxus to turn his head towards his grandfather. "You know what this guild is?" Old man asked. "It's a gathering place for comrades-in-arms. It's an agency for missions and quests. To some kids, who don't have any family, it's even their home. It cannot belong to you, or me. It doesn't belong to anyone. This guild was built upon the trust and honor of each individual member, and that is how we have formed stronger and firmer bonds than you'll find anywhere else." Makarov looked at Laxus sternly as he lowered his head. "You have violated this honor and put your comrades' lives in danger. This is not a crime that I can just forgive."
"I understand," Laxus replied, sighing heavily. "I just… wanted… to make this guild… stronger…" He said, clenching his fist.
"Oh…" Makarov sighed heavily. "Honestly… you're clumsy sort of a man…" Old man said, hopping off from the bed. "Let some of that tension out of your shoulders, would you? If you do, you may just find yourself seeing things you've missed up until now. Hearing words that you've never heard before. Life is to be enjoyed, you know?" Makarov smirked.
"Gramps…" Laxus looked at his grandfather. "There's no way you ain't knew about what's hidden under Natsu's glove… Are you sure about that?"
"Do not change subject," Makarov frowned. "Natsu never put any of his comrades in danger. You are the one who "stood out" in full measure, without any Kuroi Geijutsu."
"Yes… you right…" Laxus had to admit.
"You know… watching you grow up was my reason for living," Makarov said, coming to the bedstand. "I don't need you to be strong or smart… All I wanted for you is to be healthy and happy. That was enough for me…" These words deeply touched Laxus as he realized that he could never truly understand his grandfather's feelings. "Laxus… here," Old man said, handing over some piece of paper to his grandson.
"Huh?" Laxus wondered, taking the paper and his eyes widened as he had read its contents. "Ten years quest?!" He exclaimed in surprise.
"What's the matter?" Old man asked with knowing smirk. "You wanted the fame for the guild and for yourself? Go for it – this is how it's done!"
"Right, I understand…" Laxus mumbled, clenching the little piece of paper. "I will not fail you!" He vowed, determined to redeem himself.
"Watch yourself over there…" Makarov said a bit worriedly, this mission hasn't been completed for more than ten years for a reason.
"Don't worry… I will be back…" Laxus smiled, turning around and opening the med bay's door. "Gramps… thanks for everything…" He added and left.
November 16, X784, 13:40, near Laxus' house in Magnolia.
"What kind of joke is this?!" Evergreen exclaimed angrily. "He's sending you for a ten-year mission all alone?!"
"Surely we all committed the same offence!" Bixlow supported Evergreen as his 'babies' agreed "Same offence, same offence…"
"It's the old man's decision," Laxus replied strictly.
"But we're your team, for god sake!" Evergreen exclaimed.
"You're so disappointed with us because we were defeated in yesterday's battle," Freed, who was silent until now, asked.
"Ah, don't be such idiots…" Laxus smirked. "I was defeated as well… No, I have to do it alone. Can't you three just bring yourselves to wish me luck?"
"Why… are you trying to take all the blame yourself?" Evergreen wondered. "No way! We'll go and speak to the master ourselves!"
"I'm sure there are some people in a guild who will support us!" Bixlow exclaimed. "Maybe Natsu and others…"
"I'm pretty sure that giving me the ten years quest was Natsu's idea in the first place," Laxus cut Bixlow's speech mid-sentence. "But I think this is the right idea. There are lot of things I need to think of, and this mission is just what I need to keep myself occupied."
"But what are we supposed to do while you're not gonna be around…?" Bixlow inquired.
"Take care of each other…" Laxus replied, picking up his duffel bag and turning around, "And look over my house for me. Cya guys," He waved his goodbye.
"Laxus!" Evergreen shouted.
"Don't screw around like this! What about the Raijinshū?!" Bixlow yelled angrily, but Laxus simply walked away. "Dammit!"
"We'll see him again…" Freed said, seemingly he let it go.
"By the way," Evergreen turned to Freed, frustrated that he hasn't tried to stop Laxus, "You still haven't explained what happened to you…"
"Right," Bixlow also turned to Freed, "Among the three of us, your injuries are the most severe, who kicked your ass so badly?"
"I… don't know…" Freed stuttered, looking aside, "I… don't even remember…" He added. It was a lie, however. He remembered everything, he just couldn't tell anyone, even if he wanted to…
November 16, X784, 15:00, somewhere in Fiore.
Somewhere in Fiore's uninhabited outskirts, rocky building of dark guild Raven Tail was located. "Ah, crows…" Ivan Drayer said, looking at two crows that were sitting on balcony fence in front of him, "Why you're always so beautiful…" Tall man with short raven-black hair and beard, dressed in quite preposterous purple mantle, he was Makarov's son, founder and guild master of illegal guild Raven Tail. "Oh, you say that because people hate you?" He asked, leaning his arms to catch a crow. "There we go!" He exclaimed as he caught the crow. At the next moment, the crow turned into a paper doll. "True beauty lies in fleeting lives… Ahahaha!" He laughed maniacally. "Isn't that right, Gajeel-kun?" He turned around to Iron dragon slayer, who stood behind him all this time, leaning to a wall.
"You never said anything about Laxus being a dragon slayer," Gajeel noted with slightly accusing tone.
"Ahah… Ahahaha!" Ivan laughed again. "That's what we call a 'fake'," He replied, "A silly little fake…"
"A fake?" Gajeel inquired.
"You see, since he was a little kid, he's always been a weakling," Ivan explained with indulgent smile. "So, out of pity, I implanted a lacrima crystal into his body."
"Lacrima that allows you to use dragon slayer's magic?!" Gajeel never heard about something like that.
"I know, a real rarity," Ivan agreed. "I daresay he will come to me sooner or later, which is perfect. Recently I learned that I can get a lot of money for that lacrima. An incredible amount of money," He added with dark face expression.
"You… you're going to extract it? But if you do that, then Laxus…" Even for Gajeel it was hard to believe that Ivan ain't care about his son's life.
"Ahahahaha! He was never worthy of that power in the first place! I'll just be putting my kid right back in his place!" Ivan took one of his paper dolls and bit off its 'head'. "It's the money that matters. I need enough cash to go to war with Fairy Tail, you see," He threw beheaded doll away. "You just stay where you are, as my inside man, all right?" Ivan looked into Gajeel's face point blank. "And even if you get exposed as a spy, you never tell them about this place…"
"I'm not that big a screw-up," Gajeel replied with evil smirk, "Gi hi hi hi…"
November 16, X784, 20:00, Magnolia.
Fantasia Parade started once it got dark. Many self-propelled platforms of different shapes were moving along Magnolia's main street, which was leading from Fairy Tail to Kardia Cathedral. Fairy Tail mages were upon or between platforms, showing different magical tricks. Cana, Macao and Wakaba were walking in front of a big stage-like platform, showing tricks with cards, purple flame and smoke. On platform itself, Levy, Lucy and Bisca were performing cheerleader's dance, waving with Fairy Tail banners.
"So cute!"
"It's the girls from the miss Fairy Tail contest!"
"All right!"
"They're fairies, all right!"
Cheerful shouts could be heard from huge crowd that gathered to see the parade – main event of the entire Harvest festival. A man, who looked like tramp, dressed into a raggedy suit and coat, was looking at Lucy with much of attention… But she didn't notice him, carried away with her own dance and cheerful atmosphere.
On the next platform, Elfman was showing his strength as he performed his Beast Soul Take Over. He roared, crashing a wooden girder with ease.
"Oh! Look at the beast!"
"It's Elfman!"
"Such strength!"
From behind him, his older sister appeared from big white rose.
"Finally!"
"That's what we were waiting for!"
"Mirajane~~!"
The crowd greet her, probably hoping to see another erotic show-off as Mirajane's body began to glow while she was building up her magic. However, when she released her spell, she turned into a huge pink lizard, freaking out the crowd and her brother as well.
"What?!"
"Why…"
She liked to play on contrasts…
"And what's that?! It's a castle of ice!" Posing as queen and king, Juvia and Gray put a fiery show. Gray made a shining castle made of ice as Juvia made a fountains and big water vortex around the castle. Ice mage didn't notice them, but Leon, Toby, Yuka and Sherry were watching the show.
And then Natsu and Erza's turn came. A cloud of crimson mist appeared at the end of the street, right in front of Fairy Tail's guild hall, and started to move towards cathedral. Natsu and Erza were walking hand in hand (Erza couldn't be on a platform since it was a transportation). The mist soon raised up, making a huge cloud of rarefied crimson energy. It, however, was only a prelude. Natsu looked at Erza and she nodded. Closing her eyes, she built up her magic and released it, creating huge, shining image of a galaxy, which now shone above entire magnolia. Natsu's magic was symbolizing the darkness of space and Erza's – shining light of stars among it.
"Whoa! Look at its size!"
"So beautiful!"
"Astonishing!"
"Look mom! Is it the stars?!" Familiar kid's voice exclaimed. It was Luminel, who, with her mother, also was watching the parade.
"Yes sweetie," Nelliel replied, smiling.
Erza heard the young girl and made one star to descend from the "sky", right into Luminel's hands. It wasn't hot, just a bit warm. Kid was in rapture… Erza's old friends – Wally, Millianna and Shô also were watching the show in awe. And Mystogan was watching too…
Almost hundred thousand people came to see the parade. And one certain man was among them – Laxus Dreyar. He wanted to make last, final look at the guild's mages and his own grandfather before taking his leave. "Window dressing…" He sighed with light smile, looking at massive show-off that Fairy Tail mages made.
"Look! There's the master!"
"The master's here!"
Several shouts from the crowd made Laxus to turn his attention towards the last platform. Master Makarov was on the top of it. However, he wasn't making any magical show. Dressed like a clown, he simply was playing the ape and fooling around.
Public was disappointed:
"What kind of getup is that!?"
"It so doesn't suit him!"
"C'mon, stop making a fool of yourself already!"
Makarov, however, just ignored them. Laxus smiled, looking at his grandfather's 'anti show-off', remembering another scene from his childhood, when he invented a sign – hand in the air, pointing up with index finger. Signal that means: 'even if I can't see where you are, I'm always watching you'.
"Stop wiggling your ass, old man!" Someone shouted from the crowd, but Makarov ignored him as well.
"I wish I could have such a carelessness…" Blonde guy sighed. "Okay, time to get to work…" Laxus said to himself, picking up his duffel bag. He made several steps towards town's exit, but then he felt something, something that made him to turn around. To his shock, he saw his grandfather showing the very signal Laxus invented. And not just Makarov, but entire guild, every mage of Fairy Tail shot his arm upward, with index finger pointing up, well, except for Natsu, of course.
Laxus almost could hear the voice inside his head: 'Even if I can't see you… No matter how far away you may be… I will always be watching you…'
"I Know…" Laxus mumbled, unable to hold his tears. "Thanks… I will not fail you!" He vowed, determined to complete the mission that was given to him, and thus, earn respect in the right way, and headed towards town's exit.
November 16, X784, 23:50, Fairy Tail guild hall.
Despite the late hour, Fairy Tail guild hall was much noisier than usual, despite many people thought that this is simply not possible. Wizards and sorceresses were celebrating the Harvest Festival and successful parade. Gray, Juvia, Cana, Lucy, Levy, Bisca and many more. Carried away with festive atmosphere, even Erza and Mirajane forgot about their rivalry, as they were laughing joyfully and celebrating.
Only four persons here wasn't celebrating. Two of them were Natsu and Sin. "What's about my transformation?" Sin asked, sitting on Natsu's shoulder, who was watching his wife and others celebrating.
"I'm not sure, but probably I can use my left eye to transform you…" Natsu replied. "However, now I can't use most of my deathfrost techniques… Can't say it's really a big loss, comparing to current level of my main magic they were weak… and unreliable, it seems. Ironically, most of my god slayer's spells doesn't require two hands…"
"And what about your Senmei Saikō techniques?" Sin wondered.
"That… may become a problem…" Natsu replied reluctantly. Several of his techniques, like Senpenbanka [Everchanging] requires him to hold the sword with two hands.
"Are you going to say to her?" Sin wondered. "Since now she also can use Senmei Saikō, I'm sure she'll agree to take an avant-garde position so you could focus on ranged spells…"
"No," Natsu retorted. "I don't want her to think that I'm just some cripple who needs her care and protection. No way I'm going to hide behind woman's back, call me an orthodox or whatever, but that won't do for me. I'll figure something out…"
From the second floor, Gajeel was observing the celebrations, being the third person who wasn't participating. 'These people really live their lives on full…' He thought, turning around and heading towards exit. Just like Natsu when he just joined Fairy Tail, iron dragon slayer was renting the hotel suite.
"Gajeel!" Makarov called out – the last person who wasn't celebrating. "You don't want to take a part in the big finale?"
"Sorry, ain't my style…" Black Steel replied.
"I see," Makarov said, taking off his kitty-like clown suit. "Wheew… well, we've managed to pull it off in the end! And starting tomorrow we'll have to get to work helping with town's repairs… dear me…" Old man sighed and headed towards his office.
"Master!" Gajeel called for Makarov, "Before you go," He said, handing over some tiny piece of paper. There were some coordinates written on it. "I've uncovered master Ivan's… your son's current location."
"Good work," Makarov said with dark but satisfied face expression as he examined the paper, "And I apologize for giving you this dangerous task."
"He hasn't worked out that I'm a double agent. He wants to start a war against Fairy Tail, and now he's trying to get money for that, by any means necessary…" Gajeel told what he knew about Ivan's plans as he headed towards exit. He had no more reasons to stay in guild hall for today.
"Don't you worry," Makarov replied, "As long as I have his location, I can handle that. I won't let him have his way…"
November 17, X784, 1:40, Lucy's house.
After long celebration, Lucy finally came home. After the parade and very long party, blonde could barely hold on her feet. 'Finally, I'm home…' She thought as she got upstairs, to living room. She quickly took off her T-shirt and skirt and…
"Lucy…" High, echoing voice called for her. Lucy abruptly turned around and stared into the mirror. Girl inside the mirror had Lucy's face and body, but her skin was more tanned, her hair was raven black and much longer, her eyes were gloving with dark violet light. Girl wasn't moving like Lucy, she simply stood, indifferently looking at blonde.
"Yaahh!" From unexpectedness Lucy made several steps back and stumbled, fell on floor and hit her butt, quite hard. "Ouch!" Pain, however, quickly receded into the background. 'What the heck!?' Lucy crawled back to mirror and cautiously looked into it… only to see her own reflection, a bit paled and confused. She turned away and then once more looked into the mirror, again, just to see her usual self… "Damn… mother was right… I should be very careful with the alcohol…" Lucy mumbled, getting up on feet. "Ouch, it hurts…" She moaned, rubbing her butt, heading to bathroom to clean the teeth.
Spell list:
Matenrō – Skyscraper
Gojūmahōjin: Mikagura – Five Layered Magic Circle: Sacred Song
Satan Sōru: Harufasu – Satan Soul: Halphas
Tetsuryūsō: Kishin – Iron Dragon's Lance: Demon Logs
Rējingu Boruto – Raging Bolt
Fearī Rō – Fairy Law
Ryū no Ryoko – Dragon Force
Rairyū no Hōkō – Thunder Dragon's Roar
Rairyū no Ranken – Thunder Dragon's Storm Fist
Rairyū no Hōtengeki – Thunder Dragon's Heavenward Halberd
Tetsuryūkon – Iron Dragon's Club
Seiryū no Hōkō – Star Dragon's Roar
Hyōko no Tenhatsu – Curse of the Damned
Kuroi Geijutsu – Black Arts
Nōtōkei – Brain Freeze
Sentō Chūkaku – Combat Core
Shisō no Hyōko – Deathfrost Curse
Shisō Geijutsu – Deathfrost Art
Senjin no Dogō – War God's Howl
Senjin no Saiken – War God's Crashing Fist
Senjin no Shōkya – War God's Shock Kick
Senjin no Ken – War God's Blade, former War God's Twin Blades
Senjin no Sentsui – War God's Warhammer
Senjin no Yōshihō – War God's Proton Cannon
Metsujin Ōgi: Ketsusei Manjinyō – God Slayer's Secret Art: Blood Star: Ten Thousand Blades Dance
Senmei Saikō – Sure-kill Shot
Senmei Saikō: Jūrokuya: Kiru – Sure-kill Shot: Sixteen Nights: Murder
Senpenbanka – Everchanging
Abisu Bureiku – Abyss Break
Kurai Jinshū no Ishi – Will of the Dark Pantheon. The White Lady – goddess of destruction, 'Dryad of Death'. Morrigan – supreme war goddess, 'The Great Dark Queen'. Arawn – god of terror and revenge, 'Lord of Underworld'. Balor – demonic god, 'One-eyed God of Death'.
Well, this is it for chapter twenty-five. I hope you liked it. Sorry for taking that long… Next chapter will contain few omakes and prologue to Nirvana's arc. Cya people!